Saina Nehwal Defends Her Olympic Legacy Against Trolls: “First Qualify for Olympics”
Summary
Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal has responded to criticism regarding her 2012 Olympic bronze medal, labeling it a “gift.” She emphasized the need for individuals questioning her achievement to first prove their capability to qualify for the Olympics. Nehwal also advocates for the recognition of diverse sports in India beyond cricket and Bollywood, highlighting the importance of valuing all athletic disciplines.
Saina Nehwal, the esteemed Indian badminton player, has openly responded to internet trolls who have disparaged her bronze medal achievement at the 2012 London Olympics, suggesting it was merely a “gift.” Saina made history as the first Indian badminton athlete to win an Olympic medal, claiming bronze after a match where she initially trailed against China’s Wang Xin, who ultimately withdrew due to a knee injury. Recently, Nehwal faced criticism following her candid remarks regarding various topics, which led to detractors questioning the legitimacy of her Olympic success. In a discussion with RJ Anmol and actor Amrita Rao, her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, highlighted the negative comments made about her accomplishment, particularly after she expressed her views on the upcoming Paris Olympics. Saina firmly retorted to the trolls, stating, “Olympic level ke layak toh bano aap. Forget the bronze medal. Pehle Olympics ke liye qualify toh karke dikhao (First you become capable to qualify for Olympics).” Nehwal has been a prominent figure in recent media discussions, critiquing not only her own sport but also addressing the performance of other athletes, such as the Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whom she assessed in the context of badminton. She emphasized the necessity of recognizing the value of diverse sports within India, arguing against the concentration of attention on cricket and Bollywood alone. Nehwal articulated, “Every sport is best in its place… we should not fight with ourselves in our own country for these things. That is what I want to say. Every sport has its own value and they should be given importance accordingly.”
Saina Nehwal is a trailblazing figure in Indian sports, particularly in badminton, having earned a place in the history books as the first Indian to secure an Olympic medal in this domain. Her bronze medal victory in the London 2012 Olympics not only marked a notable achievement for her but also represented a significant milestone for Indian badminton on the global stage. However, as public figures often encounter scrutiny, Nehwal has faced critical discourse surrounding the legitimacy of her accomplishments, particularly concerning the circumstances under which she claimed her Olympic medal, namely the retirement of her opponent due to injury.
In summary, Saina Nehwal has robustly defended her Olympic bronze medal amidst disparagement from online trolls, calling out their lack of understanding of the dedication required to compete at an Olympic level. Her advocacy for recognition of varied sports in India underscores her commitment to fostering a rich sporting culture that respects all athletic disciplines. Nehwal’s stirring assertions not only reaffirm her own legacy but also promote a broader appreciation for the multifaceted world of sports.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
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